replace windows defender?

tm711 · Feb 1, 2014

I have Win8. I've been using Windows Defender which came with it. It seems to be ok, but it seems like somewhere I read a review that rated it as being all that good. win8 has been out for a while now, and I wonder if anyone has experience with another alternative to Defender that is better and that functions ok in Windows8.

Blujay · Feb 1, 2014

Why do you want to change it? I think it works fine, it's fast, efficient and doesn't use much resources.

Most antiviruses will have holes in them if you go to take them apart.
My suggest, regular hard drive backups so that you can restore if anything major occurs, and stick with windows defender.

DavidGP · Feb 2, 2014

Hi

I've found it to be fine with the 3 Windows 8 PCs I have. Ratings for anti-virus applications change from month to month so take them with somewhat pinch of salt. Some anti-virus software can be good in one area but not another, plus it depends on how quickly the company finds and adds new malware to their DEF files.

The key to PC security, is to have a core small set of tools, say Spywarebaster, Windows Defender and Firewall, plus say Malwarebytes/Superantispyware as alternative on demand scanners and your set.

The next big issue or the biggest to your PC security, sadly is YOU, the user is the biggest cause of malware to their PC, be this from not updating Windows and all other software (Java, Flash, Acrobat are a few that folk don't update and are generally the security risks), being click happy with unknown messages that pop up with Windows that could install malware to finally downloading warez music, software and video.

If Defender is keeping your PC malware free so far then no major reason to change for changes sake IMHO

tm711 · Feb 2, 2014

Thanks for the replies. They are what I thought. if it aint broke, don't fix it.

ChristineBCW · Feb 2, 2014

The original reviews of Win Defender were less than favorable but those were Vista era and Win7 brought in a rival team's product Security Essentials. WinDefender for Win8 has been getting surprisingly good reviews - as the above comments attest.

If I consider replacing it with something, I'd select a Pay-For Product and then make sure I downloaded its bootable antivirus CD ISO frequently so I could have a clean-boot option, which I consider a Big Plus for the Pay-For AV products.

Adrynalyne · Feb 2, 2014

You could always replace it with safe computing.

It is free, takes no resources, doesn't bog down computer, and doesn't need to run scans

Log in or Sign up

replace windows defender?

tm711 Corporal

Blujay Specialist

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

tm711 Corporal

ChristineBCW Corporal

Adrynalyne Guest